What does the Cockney expression Gordon Bennett stand for ?
Shirley, NSW Over the centuries, the focus of swearing and insulting language has shifted considerably. One sweeping change has been the move away from religious matters towards sexual and bodily functions. Basically, swearing involves whatever is taboo for speakers at the time. Profane and blasphemous terms have lost their potency and have given way to a more physically and sexually based mode of expression. Yet, a surprising number of the old swearwords continue today. They are far more widespread than is commonly realised. But usually theyre in heavy disguise with the profanity and blasphemy no longer apparent. ‘Gordon Bennett’ is a good example. Certainly, there was an American Gordon Bennett who may well have been the inspiration for this expletive. Born in Scotland in 1795 he later went on to found and edit the New York Herald. In fact, Im sure there were many eligible Gordon Bennetts (at least one being this mans son). But more significant is the fact that the name Gordon Bennet
